Initial Experience of Robot-Assisted Surgeries.

Objective: To present initial experience with the first 100 cases of robotic-assisted surgery by the Department of General Surgery.

Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Surgery, National Hospital and Medical Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, from May 2022 to August 2023.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) Hernioplasty With Laparoscopic IPOM-Plus: Our Initial Experience in Pakistan.

Objectives Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh hernioplasty (IPOM) for ventral hernias has been used for a long time. However, there have been some issues associated with it, thereby leading to the introduction of a new technique that involves laparoscopic closure of the fascial defect with suture followed by intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement (IPOM-Plus). We carried out this study to compare the outcome of laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure versus without defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair in terms of recurrence.

From Molecules to Devices: Insights into Electronic and Optical Properties of Pyridine-Derived Compounds Using Density Functional Theory Calculations.

In this study, we delve into the electronic structure, spectroscopic, and optical properties of five benzo derivatives of pyridine, namely, 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-fluoropyridine (), 2-fluoro-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridine (), 4-(2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)phenol (), 5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-2-fluoropyridine (), and 5-(5-bromo-2-methoxyphenyl)-2-fluoropyridine (). Utilizing quantum chemical density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof levels of theory combined with the 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets, we investigated the electronic and optical characteristics of these compounds. Band structure calculations were conducted for their crystalline structures, revealing a direct band gap varying from 3.

Polymer Composites in 3D/4D Printing: Materials, Advances, and Prospects.

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by enabling the intricate layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional objects. In contrast to traditional methods relying on molds and tools, AM provides the flexibility to fabricate diverse components directly from digital models without the need for physical alterations to machinery. Four-dimensional printing is a revolutionary extension of 3D printing that introduces the dimension of time, enabling dynamic transformations in printed structures over predetermined periods.

Advancing nitrate reduction to ammonia: insights into mechanism, activity control, and catalyst design over Pt nanoparticle-based ZrO.

The reduction of nitrogen oxides (NO) to NH, or N represents a crucial step in mitigating atmospheric NO and NO emissions, a significant contributor to air pollution. Among these reduction products, ammonia (NH) holds particular significance due to its utility in nitrogen-based fertilizers and its versatile applications in various industrial processes. Platinum-based catalysts have exhibited promise in enhancing the rate and selectivity of these reduction reactions.

Mechanistic Study on Steric Activity Interplay of Olefin/Polar Monomers for Industrially Selective Late Transition Metal Catalytic Reactions.

A significant issue in developing metal-catalyzed plastic polymer materials is obtaining distinctive catalytic characteristics to compete with current plastics in industrial commodities. We performed first-principle DFT calculations on the key insertion steps for industrially important monomers, vinyl fluoride (VF) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (TFP), to explain how the ligand substitution patterns affect the complex's polymerization behaviors. Our results indicate that the favorable 2,1-insertion of TFP is caused by less deformation in the catalyst moiety of the complexes in contrast to the 1,2-insertion mode.

Boosting Hydroxyl Radical Yield via Synergistic Activation of Electrogenerated HOCl/HO in Electro-Fenton-like Degradation of Contaminants under Chloride Conditions.

Hydroxyl radical production via catalytic activation of HOCl is a new type of Fenton-like process. However, metal-chlorocomplex formation under high chloride conditions could deactivate the catalyst and reduce the process efficiency. Herein, electrogenerated HOCl was activated to OH via a metal-free, B/N-codoped carbon nanofiber cathode for the first time to degrade contaminant under high chloride condition.

Mechanistic study to reveal steric and electronic aspects involved in the formation of microstructures during Pd-catalyzed olefin/divinyl formal copolymerization: reactivity to catalyst choice.

The advancement of metal-catalyzed copolymers is a formidable challenge for achieving distinct catalytic properties to compete with existing plastic polymers in industrial commodities. Herein, we reveal the roles of electronic and steric environments in the thermodynamic preference of microstructures in ethylene/divinyl formal (DVF) co-polymerization using a Pd catalyst under mild conditions to accommodate the respective industrial applicabilities. The insertion products of DVF result in the alteration of the steric crowding, ultimately favoring the efficient formation of cyclic units having potential applications in the manufacture of high-strength fibers.

On the Evolution of Additive Manufacturing (3D/4D Printing) Technologies: Materials, Applications, and Challenges.

The scientific community is and has constantly been working to innovate and improve the available technologies in our use. In that effort, three-dimensional (3D) printing was developed that can construct 3D objects from a digital file. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has seen tremendous growth over the last three decades, and in the last five years, its application has widened significantly.

Laparoscopic Gastro-jejunostomy: An Ideal Solution to the Problem of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Post-corrosive Intake.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of Laparoscopic Gastro-jejunostomy in patients presenting with Gastric Outlet obstruction secondary to Corrosive intake at the Services Hospital.

Study Design: Case series.

Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 2013 to June 2021.

Separation of Fe from wastewater and its use for NO reduction; a sustainable approach for environmental remediation.

The nitrogen and sulphur oxide (NO and SO) emissions are causing a serious threat to the existence of life on earth, requiring their effective removal for a sustainable future. Among various approaches, catalytic or electrochemical reduction of air pollutants (NO) has gained much attention due to its high efficiency and the possibility of converting these gases into valuable products. However, the required catalysts are generally synthesized from lab-grade chemicals, which may not be a sustainable approach.

Outcome of Laparoscopic Repair for Perforated Peptic Ulcers in a Resource-Limited Setting.

Background Perforation of peptic ulcers is a common cause of emergency surgery and has significant morbidity and mortality. The use and range of laparoscopic surgery have greatly increased over the past three decades. Laparoscopic approach is an option for perforated peptic ulcers because of the simple nature of the intervention.

Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Gel for the Reduction of Post-operative Obstructive Symptoms Due to Adhesions.

Background Adhesions occur frequently after surgery. A number of methods are being employed for reducing post-operative adhesions. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of hyaluronic acid gel in the reduction of post-operative bowel obstruction symptoms in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy due to small bowel perforation and presenting with peritonitis.

Outcomes in High Perianal Fistula Repair Using Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment Compared With Seton Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Anal fistula, or fistula-in-ano, is a chronic abnormal communication between the epithelialized surface of the anal canal and the perianal skin. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is a novel, minimally invasive, and sphincter-saving alternative to traditional seton use. This study aimed to determine the short-term and long-term outcomes of VAAFT compared with seton treatment.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Knowledge and Attitude of doctors from Lahore.

Objective: The objective of study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of doctors from Lahore regarding CPR as per American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.

Methods: The researchers visited various hospitals and filled e-questionnaires by interviewing respondents.The study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, Services Hospital Lahore and Mid City Hospital.

Role of Chewing Gum in Reducing Postoperative Ileus after Reversal of Ileostomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Postoperative ileus is one of the most prevalent and troublesome problems after any elective or emergency laparotomy. Gum chewing has emerged as a new and simple modality for decreasing postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chewing gum in reducing postoperative ileus in terms of passage of flatus and total length of hospital stay.

Whipple Procedure: A Five-Year Clinical Experience in Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction: Whipple procedure is one of the major surgeries performed in tertiary care centers. Once considered a high mortality procedure is now being practicing with mortality declining to less than 5%. This study describes our five-year experience of the Whipple procedure in terms of preoperative, operative, and postoperative parameters of patients undergoing surgery in a local tertiary care setting.

Effect of COVID-19 on the Working of a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective:  To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on the working of a tertiary care hospital.

Study Design: Audit study.

Place And Duration Of Study:  Services Hospital, Lahore from 1st March to 30th June 2020.

Neurectomy versus Nerve Sparing in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective:  To determine the effect of neurectomy in reducing the frequency of chronic inguinodynia after mesh hernioplasty in open inguinal hernia repair.

Study Design: Single blind randomised controlled-trial.

Place And Duration Of Study: Surgical Unit-I, Department of General Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from September 2018 to September 2019.

Setting up a COVID-19 care facility at a prison: An experience from Pakistan.

Since its emergence from Wuhan at the end of last year, the novel coronavirus has spread to almost every country of the earth posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems everywhere. This article presents a practical model adopted in light of the WHO guidelines which was used by our team to set up the facility and care for the 69 COVID-19 prisoners within the prison itself. In addition to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 the healthcare team also had to overcome the challenge of the unique nature of the setup.

Electric-field-induced supramolecular phase transitions at the liquid/solid interface: cat-assembly from solvent additives.

We demonstrate by using scanning tunneling microscopy that a series of trace organic solvent additives can efficiently promote the electrically triggered phase transition of trimesic acid (TMA), which would otherwise occur rather sporadically. DFT simulations taking into account the electric field effect elucidate such tailored phase transformations, based on the Gibbs activation and free energies of the deprotonation reactions of TMA.

Nanoscale tailoring of supramolecular crystals via an oriented external electric field.

The oriented external electric field of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has recently been adapted for controlling the chemical reaction and supramolecular phase transition at surfaces with molecular precision. However, to date, advance controls using such electric-fields for crystal engineering have not been achieved yet. Here, we present how the directional electric-field of an STM can be utilized to harness supramolecular crystallization on a solid surface.

Acute Presentation and Management of Abdominal Tuberculosis.

Objective: To study the clinicopatholgical profile and outcomes of surgical management of abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from May 2008 to April 2018.

Methodology: All patients who underwent emergency laparotomy during the study period due to abdominal tuberculosis, and consented to participate in the study were included.